'Watching my baby son, George, kicking his legs and giggling while my two-year-old daughter, Isabella tries to tickle him, I feel a rush of love and pride. George is now nine months old, and about to have his first Christmas. While that is a special milestone for any family, my partner, Thomas and I have more reasons to celebrate than most. Both our children were born prematurely, and they are our little miracles.

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'I wasn't sure if I would ever get pregnant. After three years of cervical cancer treatment in 2009, doctors didn't know if my body could cope with a baby. Thomas had had mumps as a child, and had always been warned of the risks of infertility. We were both keen to have children, so we were surprised and thrilled when it happened very quickly. To begin with, everything went smoothly. But at 26 weeks, my waters broke.

The first birth

'I was admitted to hospital, and given injections to bring on labour. I remember sitting with Thomas as the medical team explained that our baby could have serious complications, breathing difficulties or even brain damage. There was so much to take in, and my head was spinning. All I wanted was for our daughter to be okay. It was the most scared I've ever been.

'Isabella Rose was born by emergency caesarian at 28 weeks old. She weighed just 2lb 6oz, and fitted in the palm of my hand. I was desperate to hold her, but she was immediately whisked away to the neonatal ward, where she was put on a ventilator to keep her alive. Recovering from my surgery, I wasn't able to see her for 14 hours. Lying in my side-room, I kept thinking about the women in the maternity ward next door, their healthy, newborn babies by their side. Meanwhile, my little girl was fighting for her life, helpless and tiny.

Taking our baby home

'After seven weeks, we took Isabella home. Thomas put up all our cards, and it was a joy to feel like a normal family again. However, Isabella was still on oxygen, so our relief was tinged with worry. In hospital, I'd grown used to the reassuring beeps of her heart rate monitor. Now, I was reliant on my instincts. For the first few months of her life, I slept with my hand on her chest. I just wanted to know she was breathing.

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'At nine months old, Isabella was taken off her oxygen. At 15 months, she was discharged completely. Now two and a half, she has no complications at all, and you would never know she was premature. She's a real character; smiley, communicative and full of infectious energy.

'For a long time, I was adamant that I didn't want any more children. Isabella's birth had taken its toll on me emotionally, and I was diagnosed with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Surgeons thought it was an infection that had brought on my early labour, and assured me there was no real medical reason why it would happen again. Thomas was desperate for another child, but I simply couldn't face it.

The second pregnancy

'Then very gradually something shifted in my mind. Thomas and I both have large families, and I began to think about the fun I'd had with my three sisters. I told Thomas I didn't want Isabella to grow up without a playmate, and he was ecstatic. In August 2016, I discovered I was pregnant again.

'This time, I was monitored even more closely. I was told to avoid physical activity, tricky for my job as a PE teacher. By Christmas, my cervix had shrunk to a dangerous level, and I was put on bedrest. Every week, I'd pack a bag and go to the hospital for a check up. On several occasions, I was admitted, but each time told to go home again and rest. Lying on the sofa on Christmas Day, I was consumed by anxiety. All the worry, fear and trauma began to return.

'George Lennon was born on 15 February 2017, again by emergency caesarian. At four pounds, he was bigger than Isabella, and to begin with, he did really well. Yet at two days old, he started to have breathing difficulties and he was ventilated for five agonising days. This time, visiting the neonatal ward was much harder. I felt torn; wanting to be with George at every moment, yet experiencing huge guilt for not spending enough time with Isabella.

Moving forward

'George came home on oxygen after four weeks. Now nine months old, he's a very happy baby, much more robust and able to fight off infection. Meanwhile, Isabella has become like a second mum. She's constantly giving him cuddles, and loves being 'mummy's big girl helper.'

'George's first Christmas will be very special. It's amazing to think how far we've come, that this time last year I feared for my unborn baby's life. Thomas and I are planning a big celebration with both our families, and we are looking forward to enjoying it without anxiety or worry. Celebrating the day with two healthy, happy children is a Christmas wish come true.'

Liza was treated at the Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre. Prima is proud to partner with Wellbeing of Women, the charity dedicated to improving the health of women and babies. To find out more about their work, visit www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk.

This feature originally appeared in the December 2017 issue of Prima. What are you waiting for? Get your copy NOW! Or why not get Prima delivered directly to your door? Subscribe here!